....inspiration

I received some fun mail yesterday when I arrived home after work. Since most scrapbooking stores don't stock them anymore, I had ordered a new scrapbook idea book online. I had been reading about the new book, "52 More Scrapbooking Challenges" from a blog I enjoy reading, Elizabeth Kartchner's. She is the main contributor/designer. Just look at how creative she got wrapping up the book before sending to me. How cute is that tag?

And the book is so fun to look at, colorful and full of inspiration. Right down my alley.

She even took the time to autograph it inside.

I guess the inspiration worked. I woke up this morning thinking about creating tags for our Christmas packages this year. So, I started digging out scraps, and worked (played:) away! Just look at my mess---but it was so much fun! I have about 30 made so far, I plan on making a few more. It's a great way to use up those scraps. And, the idea would work for any holiday. I plan on putting a few together to have handy for birthday presents, as well.

These are all in progress, I'll post a picture later, when they are all complete!

Happy Scrappin'. I'm off to make chili!!!

remember when.............and a layout!

One of my favorite Christmas ornaments was given to me by my sister several years ago. Every year when I take it out of the box and unwrap it, memories flood in. We used to spend hours and hours playing with our Barbie dolls. We had them all, Barbie, Ken, Midge, Skipper, etc. They lived in the largest doll house around and drove the nicest pink car! We had all of the accessories available. My grandmother made elaborate outfits for every occasion, including the purses, coats, under garments, p.j.'s and swimwear. She even made crochet wedding dresses. I'm certain they were the "best dressed" in the Barbie doll circle. I love having this reminder of precious childhood memories......

We even had a black case exactly like this!!! So much fun:)

I completed this simple layout last night of Grayson and Deda. It was her first visit to meet Morgan in January. The day was pretty enough to get outside for a bit, mommy and Morgan even joined us out on the porch. Grayson was enjoying a stroll down the sidewalk, with Deda close behind!
You can double click on the photo to view a larger picture.

Thanksgiving at Deda's.....

Thanksgiving was so different this year with 4 little ones running around the house. It was so much fun to watch them all interact with each other. Kinsley turned one in October and she was stylin' in her cute coordinated outfit, complete with a pink matching bracelet! She has sure come out of her shell.....

It looks like Morgan is flirting with Bobo in this picture. I was so glad she could visit us from Texas, I miss seeing her. Morgan will turn 1 mid-December.

Here's Gavin, always a smile on this cutie's face. He likes his grandma!!!
He turned 1 in October.
The day was pretty enough for the kids to play outside for a bit. Morgan is
happy that Aunt Sissy took him out for some fresh air.

Love this picture, he's trying to figure out how far he can reach....

Kinsley, Grayson and Morgan are having a picnic, how cute is that?

Grayson is counting down, playing hide-and-seek. I think Caleb was

supposed to be hiding in this picture.
It's interesting to see my photo's change from pictures of food and Thanksgiving decor to all little, tiny people. They are just so entertaining!!! I'll try to get pics of the adults at our next gathering.

Can't wait til Christmas!!!

......so proud!!

This is some exciting news! Jennifer has become a stylist for Stella & Dot, a jewelry company. They have awesome pieces, some very trendy, some vintage, some simple. Take a peek at her website to view the jewelry and get more information.

We had a lot of fun over the weekend playing around and trying on the different pieces, we even took a few "style" shots. Doesn't Jamie look cute in this necklace?! Well, she looks cute anyway...

Her cousins also got in on the act, modeling different pieces for us. It was just like playing dress-up.

Good luck, Jennifer! I'm so excited for you and your new adventure.....

........busy, busy, busy

Mr. G.

Just popping in for a quick "hello". We had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with family. It's such a let-down after they all leave. (How would you feel saying "good-bye" to these two sweet faces?!) The house goes from being busy and noisy to very still and quiet. So, I jumped right in to decorating for Christmas. I still have quite a mess, so I'll update soon. I need to make a path to the bedroom so I can get some sleep!!!

Little M.

out of this world.....

creative work of some of my students who attend another class during the

afternoon, aren't their planets cool?.............they were made of paper mache and painted, they were so proud of them.........

we made "Stone Soup" today in my class. we've been reading re-written versions of the fable and comparing them. i surprised them today with the ingredients and everyone helped! we got to smell that "yummy" soup cook all day in the crock pot. we ended up having to make the "Button Soup" version, because I forgot to bring a river stone. i actually forgot the button too, but luckily had an extra sewn into the inside lining of the jacket i wore today!!! (shhhhhh...please don't tell my students-they think i used the "magic button")

need to go record grades, because at 3:00 pm tomorrow----nothing school related until next Monday!!!!

this weekend.......

Jamie sent me a pic of Grayson with his decorated tree. He was so excited to help! I love this photo---thank you, iphone!!!

I did a bit of scrappin'. You can see the results at the end of this post.
(Oh my, after previewing this, I realize how messy my desk is!!)

Trimmed my hair a bit, saved some $$$

Wrapped belated birthday gifts for my great-niece and nephew.
They both turned 1 in October.

Melody loved hanging out on the table to see if she could possibly get into any trouble!!!

She would have, but Kelsey rescued her, she spoils her......

Another completed layout.

I got a lot accomplished this weekend, more than usual. Did a bit of Christmas shopping, both in stores and on-line. Baked some cookies, put some in the freezer to save for the kids visit at Thanksgiving, otherwise they would all be eaten by the time they get here.

Thinking about putting up my Christmas tree so it will be ready to decorate after Thanksgiving. Grayson said he wanted to help...........Jamie used to be my big helper, she must be passing on her talents to him!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!